The Tampa Bay Lightning made a massive move earlier this offseason, trading star defender Mikhail Sergachev to Utah HC in exchange for J.J. Moser, Conor Geekie, a 2025 second-round pick, and a 2024 seventh-round pick. While it certainly stung to see the Lightning trade Sergachev, the Lightning got a nice return for their former star.
One name from this trade who should excite Lightning fans is Moser. Over the last three seasons with the Arizona Coyotes, Moser cemented himself as a legitimate top-four defender, and he should be a crucial part of Tampa Bay’s blueline because of it.
When looking at the Lightning’s current roster, Moser should compete for second-pairing minutes. In addition, due to his solid offense from the point and steady defensive play, he should get reps on both the Lightning’s power-play and penalty-kill units.
Moser is coming off a solid 2023-24 season with the Coyotes, posting five goals, 26 points, 99 hits, and 112 blocks in 80 games. This was after he had 31 points in 82 games for the Coyotes in 2022-23, so it is apparent that he can produce some production from the point.
When noting that Moser is still just 24 years old, it is quite possible that he has not hit his ceiling yet. Joining a Lightning squad full of offensive stars could help the Biel, Switzerland native take another step forward in his development. It will be fun to see how his first season as a Bolt goes in 2024-25.